Valentine's Day doesn't mean 'spend big'

Five inflation-beating ways to say 'you're someone special'

By

JenniferOpenshaw

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- It's that time of year again -- time to say something special to that special someone. But you probably haven't paid off your December holiday bills quite yet.... shaky economy, too much debt, rising food prices, tapped out consumer. We've all seen the headlines.

For most of us, it's not the year -- or time of year -- to spend more.

Over the years I've come to find it really is the thought that counts. Sure, I might like a 60-inch TV or a 40-gb iPod for Valentine's Day, but what would that really say anyway? I just don't think you need to give "big" to get the point across -- especially on February 14.

And, while I like a bunch of roses as much as the next gal, maybe there's something really better? Something personal, something special, something handcrafted really says more -- and may cost a lot less.

Five for the Fourteenth

So here are five ideas that will convey a personal touch and save a bunch of money besides.

1. Downsized dinners

Huh? Show you love him or her by ordering smaller portions? That's not what I mean. Here are three ways to enjoy your favorite restaurant without dropping three figures on the check:

Do lunch, not dinner. You can save 25% to 50%, and some locations for pricey dinner houses like Morton's or Ruth's Chris are open for Valentine's lunch. And there's something special about taking time out, away from kids if it applies, to have a nice leisurely lunch in place of the usual salad-on-the-go or the company cafeteria.

Share a meal. Like straws for the proverbial drive-in milkshake, sharing a fancy meal is quite practical and kind of fun. You'll save money -- and really will reduce calories, too, if that's important.

Dessert only. If a $150 bill isn't for you, eat at home, clean the dishes, get the kids squared away -- then go out for $20 worth of crème brulée or chocolate decadence at your favorite joint. You'll get plenty of Valentine's Day atmosphere and time for "sweet talk" without running up your average daily balance.

2. Make a card with their favorite art

Perhaps your significant other has a few favorite artists, and perhaps those artists have produced classic works of romance, nature scenes, flowers, etc. Or, if you have no idea, put "Monet" or "Renoir" or "impressionist flowers" in your search engine.

You'll get a wide assortment of images, many of which you can copy and paste into a greeting card of your own design. Watch for copyrighted sites and "thumbnail" images with poor quality -- 50kb or better is usually best. Museum sites work well. It's fun and you'll see some great art as you do it.

3. Candlelight CD

OK, maybe CDs are old fashioned, but they still work around the house and in the car. If your love is in love with his or her digital music player, a "candlelight playlist" works, too.

Download some old romantic favorites, like "Kisses Sweeter than Wine" (Peter Paul & Mary) or "Things We Said Today" (Beatles version OK, Randy Johnston jazz version better) or "Windmills of Your Mind" (Sting's version from the "Thomas Crown Affair" soundtrack is best).

4. Read a romantic book together

Form your own two-person book group to read and review a favorite old (or new) book. Now, what book? Conventional romance novels are a bit obvious -- how about a work of adventure with strong romantic overtones?

Most wouldn't consider them romance novels, but the two Charles Frasier novels, "Cold Mountain" and especially "Thirteen Moons," contain strong overtones of long-term romance sure to bring you closer, lest you endure the yearning and pain of his deeply crafted protagonists.

5. Message on a bottle

You can easily send a romantic message to your love by buying a modestly priced bottle of wine with a sexy name. Seven Deadly Zins is popular around the country and will get the conversation going about exactly which "zins" might be in store for the evening.

Lawyer-turned wine merchant Renee Nash of Spoons in Northern California suggests sending a wine called Incognito to your secret crush. The mysterious gold mask on the label will leave them guessing.

Find the right bottle with the right message at your local wine store -- it's fun. And don't forget the presentation -- try a basket with a few chocolate goodies and that CD I just mentioned.

A new idea, a new spark, something you've never done before. You'll both feel better, and your credit cards will enjoy the break.

Peter Sander contributed to this article.

Jennifer Openshaw is the author of "The Millionaire Zone," CEO of Family Financial Network, and executive director of Debt and Credit Advisors. She hosts ABC Radio's Winning Advice, appears regularly on the Fox Business Network, and serves as an adviser to some of America's top corporations. You can reach her at jopenshaw@themillionairezone.com

Intraday Data provided by SIX Financial Information and subject to terms of use. Historical and current end-of-day data provided by SIX Financial Information. All quotes are in local exchange time. Real-time last sale data for U.S. stock quotes reflect trades reported through Nasdaq only. Intraday data delayed at least 15 minutes or per exchange requirements.